a distant hope

USAGE SUMMARY

"a distant hope" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a hope that is unlikely to come true, or that is difficult to attain. For example, "Our only means of escaping the city was a distant hope."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Any resolution seems a distant hope.

The New York Times

But for now, this feels like a distant hope.

The New Yorker

A global carbon price remains a distant hope, and the planet is getting warmer.

The Economist

The Rutted Road Out For most rural Chinese teenagers, college is a distant hope.

The New York Times

Vishaan Chakrabarti, director of the planning department's Manhattan office, also offered a distant hope.

The New York Times

But the banks are likely to find that escape is a distant hope, analysts said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

11.20am Any distant hope Ian Bell had of ringing bells at Lord's with an impressive innings ended after less than 15 minutes play this morning, writes Mike Averis at Edgbaston.

The Guardian - Sport

But whether the HSX can help to improve the quality of American films is a more distant hope.John Smutniak: finance correspondent, The Economist.

The Economist

That she will ever pull off such a dazzling highwire dance again – to come back from black, as it were – seems a sadly distant hope.

The Guardian - Music

That gives both the Middle East and the West a small and distant hope of security.

The Guardian

Joy seemed like an ever so distant hope.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a distant hope" to express a desire for something that is unlikely to happen in the foreseeable future, but still worth considering. It adds a touch of realism and acknowledges the challenges involved.

Common error

Avoid using "a distant hope" when describing immediate or actively pursued goals. This phrase is best suited for situations where the desired outcome is largely out of your control or requires significant external changes to occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distant hope" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It describes a state or concept, referring to something desired but unlikely to be realized. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a distant hope" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something desired but unlikely to occur, as validated by Ludwig AI. It functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Its communicative purpose is to express an aspiration while acknowledging its improbability. The register is neutral, making it appropriate for various contexts, particularly news, media, and scientific writing. Alternatives include "a slim chance" or "a remote prospect", offering similar shades of meaning. Use "a distant hope" when you want to convey both desire and a realistic assessment of the challenges involved.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a faint possibility

Emphasizes the slight chance of something occurring.

a remote prospect

Highlights the unlikelihood and remoteness of the chance.

a slim chance

Focuses on the minimal probability of the outcome.

a pipe dream

Suggests the hope is unrealistic and impractical.

a long shot

Indicates a low probability of success.

a far-fetched idea

Emphasizes the implausibility of the idea.

a wishful thinking

Implies the hope is based on desires rather than reality.

an outside chance

Suggests a very low probability of success, but still possible.

a theoretical possibility

Highlights that the hope exists only in theory.

a snowball's chance in hell

A very informal idiom expressing almost no chance at all.

FAQs

How can I use "a distant hope" in a sentence?

You can use "a distant hope" to express that something is unlikely to happen but still possible. For example, "Peace in the region seemed "a distant hope" after the conflict escalated".

What are some alternatives to "a distant hope"?

Alternatives to "a distant hope" include phrases like "a slim chance", "a remote prospect", or "a faint possibility", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a distant hope" in formal writing?

Yes, "a distant hope" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and understandable phrase that adds nuance to your expression. However, be mindful of the context and ensure it aligns with the overall tone.

What's the difference between "a distant hope" and "wishful thinking"?

"A distant hope" acknowledges the unlikelihood of something happening but still holds onto a degree of possibility. "Wishful thinking", on the other hand, implies a greater disconnect from reality, suggesting the hope is based more on desire than actual potential.